A singing group to provide support for people with dementia is being launched in St Albans.

Set up by members of St Albans Masorti Synagogue (SAMS), Singing for Memory at SAMS will run hour-long weekly sessions for those with any kind of memory impairment, together with their carers.

Organiser Lu Lawrence, daughter of the late Holocaust survivor Zigi Shipper, used to take her father to music sessions in Finchley after he developed dementia.

She would also take her late mother, Jeannette Shipper, after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Lu told the JC that both her parents had greatly benefited from the sessions. She added: “I found a Singing for Memory group, which we attended every week and absolutely loved it. We would sing, dance and giggle our way through each session and couldn’t wait until the next one.”

She said that when her mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the Singing for Memory sessions would not only be a way of improving her quality of life, but they “would also to give my dad a well-earned break”.

While Lu said that “sadly” her mother had “pretty much forgotten” about the sessions once they had arrived home, “it was so joyous to see her face in the moment”.

Judith King, the Alzheimer’s Society’s head of local services, said: “We’re delighted that Lu’s parents’ positive experience inspired her to set up this group. Singing together can help encourage positive feelings for people with dementia, creating powerful connections.

“Research has shown that music therapy can significantly improve alertness and engagement of people with dementia and can reduce the use of medication, as well as helping to manage and reduce agitation, isolation, depression and anxiety.”

She added that the Alzheimer’s Society was determined “to help end the devastation caused by dementia, providing help and hope for everyone affected. We wish Lu the best of luck.”

The new group will be assisted by volunteers who have had dementia awareness training from Jewish Care, and a professional music therapist will lead each session.

Mrs Lawrence said the group would be open to anyone with memory impairment, regardless of faith, age or ethnicity.

The shul is providing its premises for free, but there will be a charge of £5 per head to cover the costs of each session, the first of which is on October 2.

“For partners and children living with someone with memory loss, life can be terribly lonely,” said Lu.

“Meeting up with other people in the same situation can be so beneficial for mental health. These groups can be a lifeline, especially for spouses.”
There will be fundraising supper quiz on October 29.

For more information on Singing for Memory at SAMS or the supper quiz, email: lusimons3@gmail.com